If Willow found out, it would probably send her into a full-blown panic attack.
Jack came back across the stream. He had one of their old backpacks on. There were lengths of wood sticking up and over his head from where he was carrying them in the pack. He was also carrying the bucket of nails they had been collecting.
“Do I even want to know?” Megan asked.
Jack smiled, “This one was my idea. I'm going to hammer these rusty nails into the wood scraps and leave them scattered about the area. We can't use the wood for building, so we’ll put it to use this way. The nails and wood will be covered by grass, pine needles and brush. Anyone walking through here is going to get a big surprise. Stepping on a rusty nail will hurt like heck. If that doesn't slow them down, the infection and hopefully tetanus that follows will take them out. Assuming their boot soles aren’t too thick.”
“Good plan. Very smart, Jack,” Megan said giving him the kudos he was looking for.
Chase grabbed the pack off Jack's back and the two of them headed further upstream to start placing the boards.
“Wyatt, I get all the defenses, but what if they get through? How are we going to know they are coming?”
“Chase wants to build more lookouts, but the problem is we don't have enough people to man them and defend the lodge.”
“We need two-way radios.” Megan stated.
Wyatt nodded, “We need a lot of things. We focused so much on stockpiling food and other supplies we didn't put enough attention on the actual defenses. I guess we thought the fences and alarms would be enough. None of us could have expected someone like McDaniels. We know better now.”
He turned and hugged her close, “I just hope we haven't set ourselves up to be attacked. Chase isn’t happy right now. He is more upset with himself for not putting enough attention on the security aspect. Those silly traps we put up to keep Kyle out are no match for McDaniels.”
Megan kissed him, “We'll be okay. We have to be.”
8
Connor McDaniels stood on the porch looking over his little compound. His men were below, standing over a fire, warming their hands. He knew they were talking about him. His leadership was on rocky ground.
They had come to this area expecting to find a lot of food and wealth. Unfortunately, things didn't turn out as planned. They had no steady food supply and with winter coming, things were not looking good. If they didn't hit a prepper house that had a stockpile, his men would turn on him. He could feel it.
Connor watched as one of them tore into a piece of jerky. The men didn't get the idea of saving and rationing. They ate and drank when they wanted, without thinking about where they would find more. These were not the kind of men who would just leave him when they decided they didn't like the way he was leading. No. They would kill him first.
He spun around when he heard a noise behind him. His right-hand man, Ben, stood in the doorway. “Should we load up?”
“Yes. What are they down there grumbling about now?”
Ben’s gaze fell to the floor, as it always did when he didn’t want to tell Connor the truth. Lately, it was happening a lot.
“Just tell me.”
“They're hungry. They want real food. All this dried stuff is old. I'm a bit tired of it myself. Don't these people store any actual food around here?”
Connor flinched. He had led the group up to this part of the country because he knew it was ripe with preppers and survivalists. He knew for a fact just how much food and gear was up here. What he didn't realize was eating freeze-dried food day in and day out was rough.
He craved fresh meat. The freeze-dried stuff was bland and the small packages weren’t enough to fill his belly. Connor couldn't imagine anyone living long-term on the stuff.
Instead of showing any kind of fear in front of Ben, he pushed back. He didn't want Ben to tell the others he wasn't as fearless and powerful as he had put on.
“You tell them sniveling brats, fresh food isn't going to be served on a platter. If they want meat, they have to actually hunt to get it. What'd you think we would find? A freezer full of casseroles and meat?”
He stepped closer to Ben, causing the other man to take a step back.
His size had been a huge advantage and he used it to intimidate those around him. His parents thought he was lazy and would never amount to anything. Look at him now. All those years hiding out in his cousin's basement had paid off.
“You tell them to get their crap together. We'll go out scouting. I know there are prepper groups all over this mountain.”
“Got it, but just so you know,” Ben pushed back just enough to prove he wasn't a total coward, “If we don't actually find anything, none of us plans on sticking around. This mountain ain't gonna be too friendly come this winter. We refuse to starve because our leader couldn't figure out where the good stuff was.”
Connor glared at him. “You do whatever you have to do. Get the men ready.”
He turned back to looking over the hillside. This house had been a great find, but if they didn't find food to stockpile soon, it wouldn't matter.
There had to be more, he just didn't know how much broader their search would have to be. These preppers were wily. His cousin had made a killing catering to these people selling all kinds of prepping gear through his website. Business had been booming and he’d managed to rope him into working for him packing up orders. Back then, they had joked about the crazy people that called themselves preppers and survivalists.
When the EMP hit and it became obvious it was a dog eat dog world, he went to where he knew the people were prepared. These northern parts of Washington, Idaho and Montana were where he shipped a lot of supplies. He had looked it up on a map to see what was so special about the area. All he could see were mountains.
That had to be the appeal. There were plenty of places to hide away from the millions of people living in the cities and suburbs. Preppers liked to be alone, which is what he was taking advantage of now. They had been raiding small homesteads and had been able to live off of the bounty of stockpiled goods.
All the preppers had thought they were so smart, living off the grid and isolating themselves. It just made it easier for guys like him to pick them off, one at a time.
Those small homesteads and cabins were no match for his men. All they had to do was threaten violence and things were handed over. In some cases, he had to make sure his point was made. Shooting someone was usually enough incentive to get them to turn over their food and water.
A man shouted out from below, “Let's go, McDaniels! I'm hungry!”
He had built a very violent army, which worked great for raiding, but there was no loyalty. These men were savages, which is why he had to prove he was the biggest savage of them all. Show no fear. Show no mercy. That had been what had kept him alive this long.
Connor went inside and jogged down the spiral staircase. The ground floor was dark. There were wooden shutters over all the windows, blocking out all natural light. He grabbed his guns and stepped outside.
His men were waiting for him.
“Today, we find the women who killed our friends. We're headed back to that little shack.”
“Why? We’ve already been there and searched. There’s nothing there,” someone grumbled.
Connor put on the meanest face he could pull together, “Because they will be back. Where else they gonna go? They were living out there for a while. That means there is some good hunting. We need to get us a couple deer. I don't know about you guys, but I want some meat!”
There was a large cheer from the crowd, restoring Connor's confidence that he had them for at least another day. Today had to be the day they found the women or food. If not, things were going to get ugly.
He had heard rumors of another small group around the area. They didn't trade with anyone and kept to themselves. That was the group to hit. If they didn't trade, it was because they had everything they needed. Connor was going to find them. His men would trust his leadership and
they could ride out the winter without worrying about food.
Connor had gained his following with the promise of a place to live out their days in comfort. Currently, his only thought was finding food and shelter. As the number of men traveling with him grew, things had gotten out of control.
Somehow, the lie had grown and evolved and it was about to blow up in his face. He had no control over the men he claimed to rule. They plundered with wild abandon. Killing and destroying with no rhyme or reason. He had screwed up. He should have reined them in. Saving and rationing the food supplies would have given him more power.
His only hope was to find this reclusive prepper group. He knew they would have what he promised his men. Once they found the group, he would establish his role as the leader. None of the men would ever question him again and his role as commander would be solidified. Connor knew if he could prove he knew what he was doing, he would never have to lift another finger again. His minions would do all the heavy lifting. He would be a king.
He had to find that group. He had no doubt in his mind they were close. They couldn't hide forever.
9
That night at dinner, there was little conversation—everyone was exhausted after their busy day shoring up defenses and working on the camo nets. Between playing with the goats and running around collecting material for the nets, Caitlin and Ryland could barely keep their eyes open during dinner and even volunteered to go to bed with very little encouragement from their parents. Chase had been impressed with the nets and promised to get them started on attaching the foliage they’d collected in the morning.
“I can go back to my house and grab more traps,” Brenda said, out of the blue.
They had all retired upstairs and were just enjoying the peace and quiet.
“That's too dangerous,” Chase said.
“I will be fine. We need more. The ten we have aren’t enough. I had more in the barn, assuming they didn't take them.”
No one had to ask. She was referring to McDaniels and his men.
“What if they’re there waiting?” Willow asked her.
“I think after all this time, they’ve moved on.”
“Megan and I will look,” Wyatt said, nodding slowly. “We need to do more hunting. The meadow is close enough to your old place, we'll swing by.”
“What? Are you sure your leg is healed enough to make the trek?” Megan asked.
“It's fine. Pretty much back to normal. We need more food. I checked the root cellar earlier. We can't risk going out in the winter if we don’t have to. We may not even be able to walk if the snowfall is too high. We don't know how the snowshoes will hold up.”
Megan knew he had a point. All of them were counting on hunting through the winter, but now they had another problem to consider besides the weather.
Going out hunting with McDaniels and his men actively looking for them was far too dangerous; especially since the Raiders had access to ATVs. There was no way they could outrun them if chased.
“He's right,” Megan answered, turning to Brenda. “You’ll be too easy to recognize and McDaniels has already met me. Just tell me where they are in the barn. You can stay here and keep working on the defenses. If Wyatt and I are already going to be out, it makes sense. We don't want to leave this place more vulnerable than it already is.”
What Megan didn't say was that the more people roaming around the mountain, meant fewer people at the lodge to protect her daughter. Brenda was an excellent shot and she had already proven she would give her own life to protect Caitlin.
Brenda quickly explained where to find the traps in the back corner in an old box.
Wyatt stood, “We better get to bed. We'll be gone before the rest of you get up, so we'll see you by mid-afternoon.”
Megan knew he was telling the group if they weren't home by then to come looking. He had already told them they would be around the meadow. That would give them a place to start their search. It was a good habit they had enforced since Megan and Caitlin had gotten lost in a storm.
With the threat of McDaniels, they had to be much more cautious. They couldn't go out scavenging or hunting without telling the others where they were headed.
Their lives depended on it.
Chase stood, “If I'm not up before you leave, can you wake me? I want to get some lists made so everyone knows what to do. I will be out on the property most of the day and won't be coming in.”
Wyatt nodded, “Sure thing.”
“Good night, everyone,” Megan said, heading down the stairs.
She was thrilled to go hunting in the morning. Especially since that meant she and Wyatt got some time alone. He hadn't been able to do much the past few weeks and being alone in their room was not the same as being alone in the forest.
“I see that little skip,” he said walking close behind her, putting his head into her neck. “You can't wait to get me alone, huh?”
She laughed, “You caught me. What more can a girl ask for, hunting with a big gun and spending time alone with her man.”
“Actually, I was thinking we test out those bows and arrows we got.”
Megan groaned. They had been target practicing, but it wasn't the same as aiming and pulling the trigger on a gun.
“How about you take a bow and I’ll take my gun?”
He laughed, “Megan, you are going to run out of bullets eventually. You have to learn archery. It will ensure we have a way to put food on the table for the foreseeable future. You don't want us all to become vegetarians, do you?”
“Fine, we'll take the bow, but I'm taking my gun as well. We can't risk not bringing anything back. We'll try it your way and if it doesn't work, I'm shooting.”
“Sounds like a plan. I'll grab the quiver and make sure we have plenty of arrows, just in case we lose any.”
Megan was so amped for hunting, she hardly slept. It was still dark out, but she could hear the birds, which meant dawn would be breaking soon.
“Get up, sleepyhead, let’s go hunting,” she said, rousing the sleeping man next to her.
He didn’t open his eyes as he replied, “You are way too giddy this early in the morning. I think there’s something wrong with you.”
She laughed, “I'm giddy because I’m imagining the big buck I’m going to bring home. Well, I'm going to shoot it and you are going to dress it and drag it back.”
“I feel like you’re only using me for my body,” Wyatt said, opening one eye.
Megan gave his bicep a squeeze, “I am. Now, get up.”
Wyatt was moving far too slow for her taste. She had been pacing, checking the bags and rechecking to make sure they had everything. She was carrying her hunting rifle. Wyatt would have the bow, along with his own rifle.
When he finally came out of the room, she saw he had his chest holster on as well with his .45 tucked neatly inside.
She walked over, stretched up on her tiptoes and gave him a kiss. “Let's go.”
“Did you get Chase up?”
“Yep. Let's go.”
“Slave driver.”
“You'll be thanking me when you sit down to eat a nice, juicy steak. If we don't hurry, the deer will already be down for their afternoon nap.”
He rolled his eyes, “Yeah, yeah, I get it.”
Megan and Wyatt both checked their gear one last time before putting on their headlamps. They didn't bother turning them on just yet. Saving battery power was important. They could navigate the area immediately outside the lodge in the dark. Once they made their way into the trees, Megan walked directly behind Wyatt. This allowed them to use only his light, conserving hers.
Placing her hand on his waist, she followed closely behind him as he made his way down the hill without using the well-worn trail or triggering a trap. Every once in a while, Megan would tighten her hand on him, but she managed to stay within his footsteps and they made their way without incident.
Breathing a sigh of relief, they made good time to the meadow, despite Wyatt slowing
down on occasion to flex his ankle. Megan pestered him about doing too much too soon but he reminded her that all hands and feet were needed now.
They found somewhere to perch, while they waited for the deer to make their way into the meadow to graze. Wyatt gathered pine needles for them to sit on. There was a slight layer of frost when they first set out, but it was already melting away, leaving the ground nice and wet.
Megan enjoyed the comfortable silence between the two of them. She loved the fact they didn't have to talk to enjoy each other’s company. They could simply be.
“There,” he whispered, pointing to the edge of the meadow. “I see one coming in.”
Megan peered through the scope on her rifle counting quietly.
“It's a ten-point!” she whispered with excitement.
Wyatt was nocking an arrow, preparing to take the shot.
Megan silently groaned. If he missed, the buck would be spooked and take off.
He looked at her, “I’m going to try. You can take the shot if I miss. You’re good enough to hit a moving target, right?” Wyatt winked at her.
“You know I am.”
She lined up the shot, keeping the buck in her focus. It had come through the trees and was casually walking towards them, stopping on occasion to take a bite of the wet grass.
Megan was coaching Wyatt. If he took the shot too soon, he would definitely miss. He had honed his archery skill to the point he could hit a target at about forty yards provided the target wasn’t moving. She needed the buck far enough into the clearing that she would have the chance to take a shot before he made it to the trees. If the buck got too close to them, it would sense they were there and bolt. It was a fine line between too close and too far to hit.
When the buck was about forty-five yards away from them, she put her hand on the trigger. She would have seconds to shoot if Wyatt missed.
“Now,” she said, barely audible.
Wyatt exhaled and released the bow string. The arrow whizzed through the quiet morning air sounding much louder than it probably was in reality. Picking its head up, the buck heard the sound and bolted as the arrow slammed into a tree behind where the buck had just stood.
The EMP Lodge Series: Books One to Three Page 45
